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Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum keratitis and conjunctivitis: a case report
1Department of Microbiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. amyl@one.net.au
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|May 10, 2001
Summary
Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, a rare pathogen, caused keratitis and conjunctivitis in an 86-year-old immunocompromised man. This case highlights the potential for commensal organisms to cause severe ocular infections in vulnerable patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Corynebacteria are typically commensal organisms.
- Ocular surface infections are usually caused by more common pathogens.
- Immunocompromised status increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old male presented with keratitis and conjunctivitis.
- The patient was immunocompromised, with corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects.
- Ocular cultures yielded Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum.
Findings:
- Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum can cause severe keratitis and conjunctivitis.
- Commensal organisms pose a risk for ocular infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Positive cultures for C. pseudodiphtheriticum in this context are clinically significant.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Corynebacterium species in ocular infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
- The role of commensal bacteria in opportunistic ocular infections warrants further investigation.